ABQ Balloon Fiesta I -> First Impressions

It was early morning, and by early I mean the sky was still dark, as in pitch black I-can’t-see-a-bleeding-thing. It’s a time that belongs to bats and vampires, when normal people should be snoozing away in deep REM sleep in their cozy warm beds. Yet here we were, wide awake and buzzing on coffee.

And we were not alone.

Tens of thousands of other crazy people were here too, and they teemed around us on the moist grass, humming like bees in a giant hive, chatting, buzzing & moving in a colossal mass of human shadows against the dark. Many had spent the night sleeping on the ground, just to be here early enough to catch the first impressions. Others had come in at an inhumanly early hour, to beat the several hour-long traffic jams that were already forming on the interstate.

Everyone was ready for the show to begin.

“Bhhhhhrrrrr” A flash of flames bursts into the air, the explosion fast and furious. It’s 16 million BTU’s of pure fuel blazing a path through the night, like Thor’s hammer crashing down on earth, deep and rumbling. The fire lights a giant globe over 10 stories high sending a flash of neon pink into the crowds.

“Oooooooh, ahhhhhhh” respond the masses, as a thousand phones click a pic

“Brrrrhhhhh, rrrrroar” More flashes, more technicolor explosions.

Dawn Patrol GlowBalloons so crowded they kissEvening glow

The view becomes one of flames and color, the sounds of burners almost deafening the crowd. A row of globes flicker like giant Christmas decorations, creating a palette of light flashing in waves across the horizon. The speaker counts down and the globes all fire at once, burning colors so bright you keep seeing them even when they stop. Each burst sends electric currents of excitement through the crowds, winding up anticipation levels to a knife edge.

Finally it happens. A whistle blows and the crowds part, much like Moses parting the sea. Then slowly, beautifully, gracefully the first balloon rises, blasting and burning, a glowing orb of light departing into the night sky.

Everyone…..goes….frikkin…..CRAZY!!!

Imagine ten thousand people cheering, whooping and whistling and you’ve got an inkling of an idea of what it’s like. It’s like a rock concert and a mass chanting meditation mixed into one. The power of ten thousand voices crying in unison in the biggest celebration on earth. Raw, thunderous jubilation, released all at once. The experience is so moving, so deeply overwhelming that you can’t help but be moved with it. I cried, oh yes I did.

The inside of a balloon is pure artBalloon craziness

For hours afterwards the show continues, not quite as intense as that very first ascension but awe-inspiring nonetheless. The sky becomes a litter of balloons, the horizon an ever-changing picture as one balloon inflates and another takes off. You’re clicking pictures faster than your shutter-speed can keep up and every time you turn you see another shape or view that captures your eye. There’s an apartment-sized Frog, a ginormous Cow, a humongous Flying Pig, a massive Blue Whale, and even Darth Vader.

Now lest you think I’m a fanatic, I should probably pause here to say that we’re not ballooners, nor have we ever really been into ballooning. I like the idea really I do, but for whatever reason it’s never really gripped me. You float up, you float down…and there you are. So, for that reason you’ve never really seen me talk about balloons on this blog. It’s just not something we do.

But this particular festival is entirely different. It’s the biggest balloon festival on earth with an estimated 550 balloons that attend each day. Also, it’s one of the only festivals where you’re allowed ON the field, right next to the balloons if you wish. Most other places separate spectators and balloonists, which seems rather sensible, but here at the BIGGEST of them all they allow everyone to mingle. It seems insane, especially given the massive scale of the event, but believe it or not it actually WORKS. The masses of people, flashes of propane burners and balloons so crowded they all seem to kiss create an experience that is simply unmatched anywhere else.

Post dawn glowThe roar of the burn

It’s a bucket list item folks, and it’s one EVERYONE should do at least once.

We’ve already been here almost a week and it’s been a total blast. Paul’s dad and stepmom joined us, plus a bunch of our RV buddies came out as well. We’ve attended morning events, evening events, RV parties and even crewed. Over the next 2 posts or so I’ll give you more practical details about the whole experience including tips on attending, things we’ve learned and what I recommend for newbies coming in (plus links to a few posts that inspired us).

But for this post, this first impression I just wanted to give you a taste of what it’s like. From that first ascension to the evening glow and the very last balloon that leaves, it’s a crazy awesome experience that’s so very hard to describe in words and pictures. You have to be here to fully appreciate the scale and intensity of it all, and even then it may not fully hit you until days later. I knew it would be good, but honestly I had no idea it’d be THIS good. Here’s hoping I’ll be able to share just a touch of what it’s like.

Fly on, fly well…and may the force be with you 🙂

It’s a bucket list item, folks!

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Thank you for the compliment! I had such a tough time photographing the event. Really hard to capture what your eye sees and your heart feels. The experience always seems soooo much more than the pic itself. Glad they turned out OK.

OMG! The photos could NOT have been better. We actually talked about going but felt we waited too long even though there seemed to be sites still available last minute inside the venue. Is it possible that you might post something regarding a “How To” attend the Fiesta…do’s and don’t kind of thing, leadtimes, etc.

Haha….well, it’s good to know you were as crazy overwhelmed as I was. I am a bit of a sentimental romantic so I lean to the poetic side of things, but I think this event crosses all boundaries for all people. PLUS it’s been AWEsome to have you guys here!! What a perfect treat.

I will also say that you should go up in one at least once in your life. We did many years (wow, 28, I just did the math) , ago on our 9th wedding anniversary. When the burners are stopped, you float like a bubble in the breeze. You feel NO breeze as you are moving “with” the breeze. You look down, depending on where you are, on a slow moving puzzle of roads, land, people, animals, etc. People and animals hear the burners and look up. Dogs sometimes bark, people always wave, and it’s just a peaceful experience.

Wow! How I do envy you right now!! We are still packing and waiting the last few appointments with my medical teams so I can get their blessings on our move to at least snowbird status, hopefully. if all goes as planed full time status. Perhaps next year we can be down there on these last few days of good weather (at least up here, and it is getting colder at night, if I don’t hurry I shall have to winterize the motor home!!) and celebrate man’s first venturing into the sky for travel and enjoyment.

We’ve been here since 9/28, spending the first 4 nights in the premium (power & water) spots, and the remainder in the “cheap seats” – except that we are now close to the big scrub-brush field where many of the balloons land (I even helped with holding onto the basket this morning when the HUGE pink cat briefly landed before taking flight again). Like you say, a worthy addition to anyone’s “bucket list.” We’ll be at the “shapes” glow tonight. If you can break away from staring at the balloons, look at the faces of the people. Joyous, awestruck. Incredible.

Great photos Nina. How do you combine the color with the black and white. It is a great effect. We have been where you are 3 times. The first was when Kodak was sponsoring and everyone was buying “film”. They even had cute co-eds wandering about giving sample rolls of film away in case you ran out. Well, no one runs out anymore unless you surpass an 8 GB SD card capacity.

I do all my photo processing in Photoshop and use a black/white layer to do my selective coloring (I apply a black/white layer and then just brush through wherever I want the color to show). I wanted to make my balloon shots look a little different from everyone elses, so I thought this would be a fun way to process them.

There is nothing like the fun of newbies at the balloon fiesta! Loved your post and pictures. My advice to anyone coming for the first time, give yourself a day to just watch and enjoy before joining a crew. Crewing is great fun, but you have to focus more on what you are doing and not so much on the other balloons and the crowd. Other people might disagree, but it is hard not to be distracted on the first day! Pictures just can’t do it justice. I’m so glad you are here and having so much fun.

Wow! I love your writing! My brother moved to Bernalillo in 2006. My husband, son and I went to visit just after he moved there. We fell in love with the area. We traveled all over the northern part of New Mexico. He keeps trying to get us to come see the “Balloon Festival”-some of the Balloons actually land across the street from his house. We keep saying to ourselves we will have to go “next year”. After reading your blog, “next year” is definitely 2016! Thank you for sharing your adventures.

Well put Nina! I’ve been crewing everyday so I don’t have the same perspective as you so ably captured. I hope you don’t mind if I link to this post from my own humble blog. BTW – in the last photo the pink balloon with the Cottonwood Mall banner is Hearts A’Fire – the balloon we’re crewing on.

Oh my! The pictures are beautiful. We can hardly wait to get started. This is a must for us. We are having our estate sale in two weeks and already have a prospective buyer for this large house, barn and 8 acres. We are gathering all the information we will need to get us to New Mexico from Florida. Thank you, Nina, for all the information.

Thanks for another brilliant post–looking forward to more on the subject!

We don’t like crowds, or rallies, and I don’t like heights. And all that getting up early–ugh! But the Fiesta is way at the top of our bucket list nonetheless! We would do it with the Newmar group and boondock–they’re supposed to have a great location. Your words and photos reinforce our desires!

Great pictures and excellent description of the feel of the event. We are also here in Albuquerque, up in row 51 with the Escapees HOP group. Costs a little more than the standard, but we felt we wanted to rub shoulders with people who had been here before. We get breakfast at 5:00 am and catered dinners most every night. We had a talk given by one of the pilots last Friday that really enriched our experience. The best was he told us where to get a balloon ride (which we did today) for almost half of what the Rainbow Ryder company charges. It was wonderful and we will be writing about it as soon as I have time!

There are balloon rides and Rio Grande Dips up in Taos—over Arroyo Hondo area. I used to live there and see them while out in the sage drinking my morning coffee. It is exciting to do at least once. I did it and the water dip too. FYI—-Take a heavy jacket into the basket—the flames really get hot on arms and backs.

Wonderful post! I was born and raised in ABQ and the festival is such a fond memory of mine. I haven’t been back to see it since I was a kid, I need to try to shoot for next year! Thanks for sharing…look forward to your words of wisdom for doing it in the RV.

The color against the black & white background is amazing. The cloudy skies made it hard for us mere mortal photographers to capture the intensity of the balloon fiesta. Yours show the magic of the event. Great to meet you. Hope you enjoy the rest of the fest.

Awesome post, Nina! I forwarded to my friend who wants to volunteer with me. You may have even convinced Mr. “I’m not interested in hot air balloons” Moore that it just might be an amazing experience to enjoy! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!

Nina, your words and pictures capture the experience perfectly, but unless you’ve heard and felt and saw the entire thing for yourself, you can’t really KNOW. I was never interested in attending this spectacle, always said, next time…. I’ve seen balloons before, they float over our lake often, sometimes touching baskets to the water. They’ve even landed in our pasture on occasion……big deal. They’re pretty to look at.

Then we were visiting friends in Los Lunas and they suggested we go up to the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. It was an experience we’ll never, ever forget. I’ll never look at a hot air balloon the same way again. Thanks for bringing it back to us.

Bummer!! We went thro’ a similar thing. We actually planned to attend the Fiesta our very first year on the road, but it didn’t work out. Took 5 additional years to finally get here. You’ll get here eventually!

Fantastic post Nina. Your enthusiasm is obviously contagious and your pictures are, as always, just amazing. We really must figure out how to spend an entire year in the west. With our restrictions it’s gonna be tough but where there’s a will there must be a way. N’est pas? You’ve definitely put a fire under me to do this. What a powerful and magical experience. So perfectly described! Thank you thank you!!

Spectacular visuals! Your excitement and awe really come through, and make the celebration jump off the page. No desire to jump in one and take to the skies, but seeing all those colors and shapes is something we definitely have on our list. Looking forward to your next posts as well 🙂

Really lovely images! I lived in the South West for many years and never really wanted to go to the Balloon Festival. UNTIL NOW. I had no idea how amazing it was. Thank you for sharing images and experience!

Nina, I have been following your posts for over a year now and I must say your writing and photography skills are remarkable. Absolutely the best RV blog on the internet. I really encourage you to write a book (with photoghaphs) about your adventures. I think that others that may not be as involved in the RV lifestyle would find your story fascinating. Maybe even a good movie plot. Keep up the good work.
Mark W.

Great post, Nina! I think we saw you and Paul last Monday, coming back from the launch. I was going to catch up and introduce myself but…ya looked tired. And I WAS tired. Then we caught the bus and you got on your bikes – and we never saw you again. My loss.
This was our first time at the fiesta and we absolutely loved it! The whole thing had a great vibe. The volunteers were wonderful, and their mantra was “have fun!” And we did. We’ll be back…and for a longer stay next time.
Beautiful pictures!
Vicki

I am in Albuquerque moving my mother into assisted living which just happens to right next to balloon park. Every time I drive over there I wonder how you are enjoying Albuquerque and the balloons. Glad to hear it has been a great experience!

Can’t wait for your full review…we’re hoping for it soon as booking for next year opens on the 20th and we need your input on where to stay!!! 🙂 Great pics…I know those can be challenging to the camera and photographer! Well done!

Another balloon festival is just down the road from ABQ-1st saturday in November in Artesia, NM. Held in a city park, you are up close and personal with all the balloons. We were there in 2013. Roswell is nearby as is Carlsbad. Plan to spend no less than two days exploring the caves-beyond what words can describe.
So much to see and do in NM-SOAPAPILLAS!!
Enjoy!

Fantastic photos! We’ve been twice, and I was a bit worried that the second time around would be rather boring, but it was just as exciting and amazing as seeing it for the first time. We still can’t believe they let people walk out anywhere on the launch field!

The fact that they let folks walk around on the field boggles my mind too! It seems like it would be insanely dangerous, but it all works out. It’s a total treat to be able to get that close to the balloons.

I grew up in Albuquerque and I saw this almost every year. There is no other experience like it. I laughed at your comment about the miles long traffic jams. There are backways to get there and those are the ones I use.

Back roads sound like the way to go. The main traffic arteries are awful. Two of our crew members drove in from one of the local hotels this AM and it took them over 2 hours to get to the launch field. They almost missed the entire launch!/p>

Sorry we didn’t get to meet you while we flying at at fiesta. Four of our assigned crew were from the Boomer RV rally group, and their enthusiasm and willingness to help were infectious. I hear you were assigned to help a pilot who lost his crew. Learning how to crew a balloon is non-trivial, so you now have valuable experience that you can leverage that next year!
Fred and Chrsitel – “Thursday’s Child”, launch grid R9

I’m really sorry I didn’t get to meet you too! We’ve ended up crewing every single day (and every glow) since we got assigned to this pilot, so I’ve not had the chance to go over and meet you. Chris & Cherie said they had a lovely time w/ you. I did wave to your balloon, but I don’t think you saw me 🙂

So colorful and fun! Your descriptions and photos are brilliant and really capture the magic of the balloon festival. We’ve been twice, but it’s been a decade since our last visit…next time, we’re going to stay on the festival grounds to have the full experience — and avoid that ridiculous traffic jam!

I can hear the excitement in your words:) So glad you and Paul are having a wonderful time. I’ve enjoyed the photo extras on fb. The colors are amazing. And how cool that you got to crew!! Awesome! Can’t wait to hear more:)

Sounds and looks so magical!!! I can’t wait to experience it all for myself. Your photos came out fantastic and seems the weather was cooperative with the fluffy clouds during the day and streaks of color in the sky in the evening. Sooo stinking neat!

[…] Grand Canyon as far back as April. We knew this was where we wanted to spend our time after the crazy intensity of Balloon Fiesta, plus Paul’s dad had never been here so it seemed like the perfect fit. We weren’t […]

[…] a bucket list item folks, and it’s one EVERYONE should do at least once.” Read Nina’s first impressions of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, and you will simply not be able to resist heading out to New Mexico this fall. I’ve already […]

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